Akinkunle Akinbinu is a Master of Arts student in Island Studies (MAIS, Class 2024). His research interests lie in Island tourism, culture, tradition, and identity. His Thesis focuses on how international students from various backgrounds interpret and interact with the social and cultural dynamics of a small island community in Canada using Prince Edward Island as a case study. Akinkunle holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning, focusing on heritage tourism and waste management.
Prior to joining UPEI, Akinkunle worked as a contract staff for five years at planning firms in Nigeria. He later joined the teaching line at the First Technical University, where he was one of the pioneer lecturers in the Property, Planning, and Surveying department. He was involved in teaching and research and has contributed significantly to the academic community. Akinkunle has four articles published in a reputable international journal and has attended conferences locally in Nigeria.
Akinkunle’s dedication to improving the lives of others is truly remarkable. He is passionate about human rights and stands up for them whenever possible. He inspires those around him with his selfless acts and motivates them to volunteer wherever they find themselves. Akinkunle is currently a team member of Cedar Social and Community Impact, a non-governmental organization responsible for impacting any chosen community by organizing leadership training, training people skills, and engaging in physical projects. He also volunteered as an Independent Monitor with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the National Immunization Plus Days for Polio Vaccines in Osun State, Nigeria.
Akinkunle has a passion for sports and spends his free time helping people around him. He was involved in several volunteer activities in Canada with Canada Games 2023 and as an emergency responder at the Canadian Red Cross. He is currently the graduate representative-elect at UPEISA, where he hopes to continue making positive changes in the academic community. Akinkunle’s exceptional research and community service achievements make him an inspiring figure, and he continues to make an impact wherever he goes.